Cheap flights to Sapporo
Set your departure airport and maximum budget: SniperAir tracks prices to Sapporo and alerts you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
Quick summary
Country
Japan
Continent
Asia
Airport
CTS
Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)
Time zone
UTC+9
Deals already spotted to Sapporo
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
Loading examples…
Why track Sapporo with SniperAir
You do not need to compare prices every day
Choose your departure
Enter your departure airport and your maximum budget for a flight to Sapporo (CTS).
SniperAir keeps watch
Our systems continuously compare new prices with the real price history of the route. SniperAir monitors prices and alerts you: it does not sell or book tickets.
You receive an alert
As soon as a price matches your criteria, you are notified, without having searched for anything yourself.
Airport and getting into town
An airport about 40 minutes away by rapid train
New Chitose (CTS)
New Chitose Airport lies in the neighbouring city of Chitose, about 50 km from Sapporo according to Wikipedia (EN), and is the main gateway to the city and to Hokkaido. The Airport Rapid train takes around 40 to 45 minutes to Sapporo Station according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN), with trains about every 15 minutes according to Wikivoyage (EN); shuttle buses also run, per Wikipedia (JA).
Okadama (OKD)
The small Okadama Airport north of the city mostly serves propeller flights within Hokkaido and a few routes to the rest of Japan, per Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN). For flights to Sapporo, track CTS.
Distances and times are approximate and vary by source. We do not quote fares.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. Wikipedia (EN) puts the population at around two million, making it the largest city north of Tokyo. The Haneda to New Chitose route is among the busiest in the world, according to Wikipedia (EN, FR).
Wikivoyage (EN) notes that direct international flights to Sapporo come mostly from other Asian countries, with a few seasonal links from other regions. For a price alert, check which routes actually operate from your departure airport.
Landmarks
Red brick, a clock tower, Odori Park and city lights
Sapporo is a young city: it was founded in 1869 as the capital of Hokkaido and laid out on a grid with the help of American advisers, according to Wikipedia (EN, FR, ES) and Wikivoyage (EN). Its name comes from the Ainu "sat poro pet", roughly "great dry river", per Wikipedia (EN). The places below are illustrated.
The former Hokkaido Government Office
This red-brick building in American neo-baroque style was completed in 1888 according to Wikipedia (EN) and is now a historic monument open to visitors. It sits in a manicured garden that is much photographed in autumn and spring.
The Clock Tower
Built in 1878 for the agricultural college, it is the oldest surviving building in Sapporo according to Wikivoyage (EN) and Wikipedia (FR). Small in size, it remains one of the city's symbols and holds a modest exhibition on its history.
Odori Park and the Snow Festival
Odori Park, a long green ribbon in the middle of town, divides the city into north and south, per Wikivoyage (EN). It is the main site of the Snow Festival, begun in 1950 and drawing more than two million visitors according to Wikipedia (EN, DE); in summer it hosts beer terraces.
A winter of red brick and snow
Sapporo gets around five metres of snow a year according to Wikipedia (EN, JA), and up to six according to Wikivoyage (EN): it is one of the snowiest big cities in the world. The snow becomes part of the decor, with winter lights around the historic buildings.
The city seen from Mount Moiwa
Mount Moiwa, south-west of the city, can be climbed by cable car and gives a panorama over Sapporo, best enjoyed at night according to Wikivoyage (EN). Halfway up, the Peace Pagoda dates from 1959 according to Wikipedia (EN).
Moerenuma Park and its glass pyramid
This vast park, laid out on reclaimed land, was designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi according to Wikipedia (FR, EN, ES). Its glass pyramid, grassy hills and art play areas make it a surprising day out.
The Hokkaido Shrine
Dedicated by Emperor Meiji in 1869 according to Wikipedia (FR), the shrine stands in Maruyama Park. It makes a peaceful walk to combine with an afternoon in the city's gardens.
Susukino and nightlife
Susukino, south of the centre, is one of Japan's largest entertainment districts according to Wikivoyage (EN); it is home to the ramen alley, per Wikipedia (EN).
Otaru and Niseko
The port town of Otaru and its canal are about an hour away by road according to Wikivoyage (EN); the Niseko ski area, known for powder snow, is about two hours by bus per Wikivoyage (EN) and Wikipedia (ES). Direct winter services run from the airport, according to Wikivoyage (DE).
Museums and culture
Hokkaido history, beer, Ainu culture and art
History and peoples of Hokkaido
The Hokkaido Museum traces the natural and human history of the island, from Ainu culture to Meiji-era settlement, per Wikivoyage (EN). The Historical Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum of old buildings, is cited by Wikipedia (DE) and Wikivoyage (FR, EN).
The beer museum
The Sapporo Beer Museum occupies the red-brick former brewery, whose origins date to 1876, per Wikipedia (DE) and Wikivoyage (EN). The visit often continues at the neighbouring grilled-lamb restaurant.
Art and nature
The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, with its glass collection, is cited by Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN); the Hokkaido University Botanic Garden is another city stroll. The Pirka Kotan Ainu cultural centre introduces the island's Indigenous people, according to Wikivoyage (EN).
Before you visit
We do not quote fares or opening hours: they change and sources disagree.
Food and drink
Miso ramen, soup curry, crab and Sapporo beer
Miso ramen
Sapporo is considered the birthplace of miso ramen, per Wikipedia (EN, JA). The Susukino ramen alley is busy with visitors, according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN); butter-and-corn ramen is a Hokkaido speciality.
Other specialities
Soup curry, grilled mutton "jingisukan" and seafood, with crab as the star, are cited by Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN). Haskap, a local berry, and Hokkaido pastries are also worth trying, per Wikipedia (EN, JA).
Beer
Sapporo is home to a major beer brand brewed in Hokkaido since 1876, according to Wikipedia (DE) and Wikivoyage (EN). In summer, Odori Park hosts a large beer garden, per Wikipedia (EN, FR).
Souvenirs
White-chocolate biscuits from Hokkaido are the classic souvenir, per Wikivoyage (EN) and Wikipedia (EN).
Getting around
A simple subway and a gridded city
Finding your way
The centre is laid out on a grid; Odori Park divides north from south, and addresses read "north X, west Y", according to Wikivoyage (EN). Navigation is easy, even if the blocks are large.
Subway and streetcar
The city has three subway lines, opened in 1971 according to Wikipedia (EN), which meet at Odori Station per Wikivoyage (EN). A streetcar runs in the south-west and is mostly useful in winter.
Transport cards
Wikivoyage (EN) mentions two smart cards, Kitaca and SAPICA; the first is more practical for visitors because it also works on JR trains.
Beyond the city
Trains and buses link Sapporo with Otaru, Asahikawa and Niseko; in winter, check timetables, as snow sometimes disrupts services.
Budget and precautions
A budget to compare, and entry rules to check
Price level
The amounts found in our sources date from different years and disagree, so we give no figures. The Snow Festival draws more than two million visitors: plan your bookings early for February.
Currency
The currency is the yen.
Flights and entry rules
SniperAir monitors prices to CTS and compares them with the route's history, but it does not sell or book tickets. Entry conditions for Japan depend on your nationality: check your departure country's official recommendations before booking.
In winter
Pack for the cold and icy pavements; Wikivoyage (EN) notes that winter sunrise is around 7 am and night falls early.
When to go
Mild summers, very snowy winters
Winter (December to February)
Cold and very snowy: average temperatures fall below freezing from December to February per Wikipedia (JA). The Snow Festival is held in February per Wikipedia (FR, EN, DE).
Spring (March to May)
The last snow gives way to lilacs: the Lilac Festival takes place in May, per Wikipedia (EN). Open sources do not give precise monthly averages for this quarter.
Summer (June to August)
Mild and pleasant: Wikivoyage (EN) calls it an escape from the heat of the rest of Japan. The Yosakoi Soran dance festival is held in June and the summer festival with its beer gardens in Odori Park in summer, per Wikipedia (EN).
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn colours show in gardens and parks, such as Jōzankei, per Wikivoyage (EN). The first snow arrives late in the season; ski resorts open in November per Wikipedia (ES).
The climate is humid continental (Dfa) according to Wikipedia (EN, ES): mean annual temperature of about 9 °C and about 1,100 mm of precipitation a year per Wikipedia (EN, JA). Annual snowfall is about 4.8 m according to Wikipedia (EN, JA) and around 6 m per Wikivoyage (EN), so we keep only an order of magnitude.
By length of stay
What to do in Sapporo depending on how long you stay
City centre
Odori Park, the Clock Tower, the former Government Office, Susukino and a bowl of miso ramen.
Culture and views
The beer museum, a Hokkaido history museum, Mount Moiwa at night and Moerenuma Park.
Hokkaido
A trip to Otaru, a stay in Niseko or another winter resort, or hot springs at Jōzankei.
In pictures
Sapporo in pictures
You might also like
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Sapporo
How do I get from CTS airport to central Sapporo?
New Chitose Airport is about 50 km away. The Airport Rapid train takes 40 to 45 minutes to Sapporo Station according to sources; shuttle buses also run.
When is the Snow Festival?
In February, with Odori Park as the main site, according to Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. Book early: this is a very busy period.
Can you ski near Sapporo?
Yes. Several resorts can be reached from the city, including Teine, used for the 1972 Olympics, and Niseko, about two hours by bus according to Wikivoyage.
What should I eat in Sapporo?
Miso ramen, soup curry, crab, grilled mutton "jingisukan" and, of course, Sapporo beer.
What is the best season to visit Sapporo?
Summer is mild and pleasant; winter is ideal for snow and the festival, as long as you dress well. The shoulder seasons are quieter.
How long should I stay in Sapporo?
Two days for the centre; four days with museums and surroundings; more for a ski resort or Otaru.
How much does a flight to Sapporo usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Sapporo drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Sapporo as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected.
Ready to head to Sapporo?
Set your budget and let SniperAir monitor fares for you.
Create my alert